Every industry has its own jargon and when alcohol is involved and there are subtle differences between up, straight up and neat, it might be a good idea to get your bartending terms straight while you're clear-headed.
Here are some basics you need to know to start ordering your drinks right.
Here are some basics you need to know to start ordering your drinks right.
RECOMMENDED READING: See all cocktail-related stories here.
Shots are drunk tossed back all at once
Shot
What it is: A liquor served in a small shotglass without ice that you drink by tossing it all back at once.
Say: Can I get a shot of tequila with lime and salt?
On the rocks
What it is: A spirit or a cocktail that is poured over ice cubes in a straight-walled flat-bottomed glass. Some liquors like blended scotches, gin and high-proof bourbon benefit from the chilling and dilution that ice gives to open up its flavours and aromas.
Say: “A gin on the rocks please.”
What it is: A liquor served in a small shotglass without ice that you drink by tossing it all back at once.
Say: Can I get a shot of tequila with lime and salt?
On the rocks
What it is: A spirit or a cocktail that is poured over ice cubes in a straight-walled flat-bottomed glass. Some liquors like blended scotches, gin and high-proof bourbon benefit from the chilling and dilution that ice gives to open up its flavours and aromas.
Say: “A gin on the rocks please.”
Some spirits are better enjoyed on the rocks
Neat
What it is: Two ounces of a single spirit served in an old-fashioned glass that’s meant to be sipped—no chilling, no ice or any other mixers. Usually used on whiskey or brandy which commonly drunk at room temperature.
Say: I’ll have a whiskey neat please.
Up
What it is: An alcoholic drink stirred or shaken with ice, and then strained into a stemmed cocktail glass.
Say: A Manhattan up, thanks!
Straight up
What it is: Here’s where the confusion begins. ‘Straight up’ can be used to mean the same as ‘neat’ when it comes to spirits usually drunk at room temperature, but is also used interchangeable with ‘up’ if it’s understood that it’s a drink meant to be served cold.
Say: “Ketel One straight up” for a chilled vodka and vermouth, or “Wild Turkey straight up” for a bourbon neat.
What it is: Two ounces of a single spirit served in an old-fashioned glass that’s meant to be sipped—no chilling, no ice or any other mixers. Usually used on whiskey or brandy which commonly drunk at room temperature.
Say: I’ll have a whiskey neat please.
Up
What it is: An alcoholic drink stirred or shaken with ice, and then strained into a stemmed cocktail glass.
Say: A Manhattan up, thanks!
Straight up
What it is: Here’s where the confusion begins. ‘Straight up’ can be used to mean the same as ‘neat’ when it comes to spirits usually drunk at room temperature, but is also used interchangeable with ‘up’ if it’s understood that it’s a drink meant to be served cold.
Say: “Ketel One straight up” for a chilled vodka and vermouth, or “Wild Turkey straight up” for a bourbon neat.
